Mica Flakes

Mica Flakes have been preferably used in water-based and oil based oil-well drillings operations as an additive mud chemical to prevent loss of circulation and seepage. Mica is specially added to seal-off the lost circulation zones. The platy structure of mica facilitates the overlapping of particles to form a layer or wall and acts as a sealant that bridges the openings. The use of mica helps to seal porous formations and contributes to regain circulation keeping the solids in suspension.
The technique adopted is to mix quantities of mica flakes and granular bentonite into special batches of mud, which is pumped down the hole. The drill pipe is then withdrawn and the hole left undisturbed for a time being. Mica flakes tends to plate out on the walls at the lost zones and reduce the size of the holes through which the mud can pass. After a short interval, the plug is strong enough to permit circulation to resume without loss. Drilling then proceeds normally until a depth well below the lost circulation zone.

mica flakes
Grade Coarse Mica Flakes Medium Mica Flakes Fine Mica Flakes
Use Suitably used for sealing openings. Generally used to combats mild circulation in porous formations. Suitable for use when a sealing agent is needed to be small enough to pass through a shaker screen without interfering with the operations.
Apparent Density 0.17kg/ltr 0.18kg/ltr 0.20kg/ltr
Particle Size Max 10% retained on 9.50mm B.S. Sieve Max 10 % retained on 3.35 mm B.S. Sieve Nil retained on 0.850 mm B.S. Sieve
Material retained Material retained on Sieve 4.75mm + material passed through 1.70 mm = 30-40% Max. Material retained on 1.70 mm + material passed through Sieve 0.425 mm = 30-40% Max. Material retained on Sieve 0.425 mm + material passed through sieve 0.15 mm = 30-40% Max.

Mica Flake Applications

Pearlescent Pigments

Mica Flakes have been preferably used in water-based and oil based oil-well drillings operations as an additive mud chemical to prevent loss of circulation and seepage. Mica is specially added to seal-off the lost circulation zones. The platy structure of mica facilitates the overlapping of particles to form a layer or wall and acts as a sealant that bridges the openings. The use of mica helps to seal porous formations and contributes to regain circulation keeping the solids in suspension.
The technique adopted is to mix quantities of mica flakes and granular bentonite into special batches of mud, which is pumped down the hole. The drill pipe is then withdrawn and the hole left undisturbed for a time being. Mica flakes tends to plate out on the walls at the lost zones and reduce the size of the holes through which the mud can pass. After a short interval, the plug is strong enough to permit circulation to resume without loss. Drilling then proceeds normally until a depth well below the lost circulation zone.

pearlescent-pigments

Wet Ground Mica Powder

Substantial quantities of Mica Flakes are processed for producing wet ground mica powder. The mica is milled with technique to preserve the structure and the sheen or luster of mica platelets without altering its natural properties. The wet grinded mica product is characterised by high quality, good purity, brilliant whiteness, large diameter-thickness ratio, regular shape and smooth surface. In addition, the product is resistant to heat, electricity and chemicals. It is widely used in such fields as pearlescent pigment, plastic, paint, cosmetic, coating, lubricant, rubber, etc. Compared to other materials, the wet ground mica powder emerges as an excellent performer.

wet-ground-mica-powder

Oil Well Drilling

Mica flakes are widely used as mud additives in water or oil-based drilling operations as a preventive measure against loss of circulation and to overcome mild severe circulation losses. They are specifically added to the mud chemical to seal off the lost circulation zones. Mica facilitates the overlapping of particles to form a layer or wall and acts as a sealant that bridges the opening. The use of Mica enhances the quick sealing of porous formations. Mica is chemically inert, unaffected by hydrocarbons, acids, and brines, and does not react with other drilling fluid compounds. Mica-mixed drilling mud helps to seal porous sections of the drill hole and contributes to regain circulation keeping the solids in suspension. Generally three grades of Mica Flakes (Coarse, Medium and Fine) are normally used for specific purposes.

oil-well-drilling

Decoration and Ornamental Display

High quality white Mica Flakes are used for bright and artificial snow impression. In addition to being beautiful, mica is non-toxic, tough, chemically inert, water resistant, fire-proof and transparent. As a decorative material to produce shimmering and glittering effects, it is used by christmas tree flockers, candle makers, floral designers, scrap bookers, wedding designers, artists, crafters and many more. It is also used to adorn and prettify wall papers, fancy papers, greeting cards and various novelties.

decoration and ornamental
Chemical Composition
Silica (SiO2) 45.70%
Alumina (Al2 O3) 33.10%
Potassium Oxide (K2O) 09.87%
Ferric Oxide (Fe2O3) 02.48%
Sodium Oxide (Na2O) 00.62%
Titanium Oxide (TiO2) Trace
Calcium Oxide (CaO) 00.21%
Magnesia (MgO) 00.38%
Moisture @ 100 °C 00.25%
Phosphorous (P) 00.03%
Sulphur (S) 00.01%
Graphitic Carbon (C) 00.44%
Loss on ignition (H2O) 02.74%
Physical Properties
Specific gravity 2.82
Alumina (Al2 O3) 33.10%
Index of refraction 1.58
Hardness (Moh’s scale) 2.5
pH value (BS 3483) 7.7
pH for distilled water 5.2
Oil absorbtion 60-90 g/oil
(BS 3483) 100g mica
Water Soluble Not more
(BS 1765) than 0.5%
Effect by common acids Slight
Phericity Factor 0.01
Softening point 2800°F